Unidirectional amplification and shaping of optical pulses by three-wave mixing with negative phonons

Alexander K. Popov, University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, Birck Nanotechnology Center
Mikhail I. Shalaev, Siberian Federal University
Sergey A. Myslivets, Russian Academy of Sciences
Vitaly V. Slabko, Siberian Federal University

Date of this Version

5-2014

Abstract

A possibility to greatly enhance frequency-conversion efficiency of stimulated Raman scattering is shown by making use of extraordinary properties of three-wave mixing of ordinary and backward waves. Such processes are commonly attributed to negative-index plasmonic metamaterials. This work demonstrates the possibility to replace such metamaterials that are very challenging to engineer by readily available crystals which support elastic waves with contra-directed phase and group velocities. The main goal of this work was to investigate specific properties of indicated nonlinear optical process in short-pulse regime and to show that it enables elimination of fundamental detrimental effect of fast damping of optical phonons on the process concerned. Among the applications is the possibility of creation of a family of unique photonic devices such as unidirectional Raman amplifiers and femtosecond pulse shapers with greatly improved operational properties.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

 

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